Carmona, Cavite goes digital with contact tracing through QR codes

The Carmona, Cavite government has turned to "digital contact tracing" through the use of QR codes inside establishments to record the whereabouts of its residents, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta on Saturday, the Carmona local government unit came up with a mobile application where customers of businesses could scan the QR code displayed in the establishments to log in information about them.

"Kami ay nananawagan na suportahan natin ito sapagkat ito ang magiging susi ng inyong kaligtasan. Madali nating malalaman kung kayo ay nakasalamuha ng isang taong merong COVID-19. Sa ganoong paraan madali nating maaaksyunan," said Carmona Mayor Roy Loyola.

"'Pag nag-inspect kami at wala silang app sa telepono, isasarado namin," Loyola added.

Residents without cellphones will have their details manually collected by establishment employees. Non-Carmona, Cavite residents are also required to provide their details.

"Ang mangyayari po is puro verification na lang instead of going to the specific place sa lugar na iyon at tanungin isa-isa 'yung tao. Na-filtered out na, may cellphone number naman, tatawagan, 'Totoo bang nakausap mo si ganito? Nakita namin sa COVID proper malapit na sa kaniya nang dalawang metro, nagkausap ba kayo?'" said Angel Macha, IT Officer 3 of the Carmona LGU.

Many residents were in favor of the system. "Full support kami doon sa [ini-implement] ng LGU para nga po makatulong," said Arlene Doloroso, owner of Kinnimari Mini Mart.

"Kung may posibleng infected, ma-establish 'yung contact tracing. Okay naman, maganda 'yung project ng LGU," said resident Junvil Morales.

The scheme is also being used by Thailand and South Korea where mall goers need to scan QR codes for contact tracing purposes. -Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News